Lakeville and Beyond: gravel and pavement combo

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Lakeville, MN, US

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Route Overview

Melissa Bikes

Long distance and gravel cycling in and around Dakota County, MN

33 mi.

980 ft.

This route showcases some of the excellent gravel just south of the metro area, starting in Lakeville and heading south into the local townships. Look for the old graveyards and the active airport on your route!

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Route Details

This route takes you south of the Twin Cities metro to ride some of the gorgeous gravel close to the city. The route is approximately 2/3rd gravel, 1/3rd pavement with a blend of flat roads and rolling hills.

# Route

* @poi[Park in the large shopping center parking lot](7826322) near the start. There are a variety of stores here for pre or post ride refueling, from a Caribou coffee location, to pho, to Mexican, to a full fledged grocery store.

* The ride starts out on pavement heading south. Riders should be comfortable riding on the shoulder of a relatively busy road.
* After crossing busy @point[Highway 50](d,7094.32), you hit the gravel! Gravel roads are typically not busy with traffic unless it's spring planting season or fall harvest. Watch out for truck traffic during those times of year!
* The condition of the gravel varies a lot based on recent weather and road conditions. Sometimes it is hard packed and rides like pavement, other times it is a little "swimmy" with freshly churned rock.
* After spending the blissful middle miles on gravel, you'll end the ride on pavement heading back north. Riders can choose to ride on the shoulder of Highway 77, OR can ride the paved bike path on the west side of the road.

# Notes

* This route can be ridden in all seasons, just adjust your tire choice and clothing accordingly!

* This route is great for cyclists who may be new to gravel but have cycling fitness from other styles of riding, or someone who is familiar with gravel and is looking to explore new roads.

* There is a @poi[small liquor / convience store](7826321) on the route near mile 20, however it is often not open nor well stocked like a traditional gas station. I've used it in a pinch, but I wouldn't plan on it being integral to your ride.

# Favorite Scenery
 * The open roads heading south on Highview are @photo[gorgeous.](4031972)
 * The @point[east/west section on 285th](d,24591.99) is @photo[quiet and peaceful.](4031973)
 * I have photographed the @photo[farm and barn](4031976) you see when heading north on Drexel more times than I can count. It's one of my favorites in the area!

Lakeville and Beyond: gravel and pavement combo

Route Overview

Route Details

Other routes by Melissa Bikes

Cannon Gravel Hill Torture

M's Viroqua Tour

Cannon Gravel and Pavement Medley

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